This study presents a novel biochar composite derived from waste bamboo powder, demonstrating its remarkable potential for enhancing N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAC) biodegradation in biofilters. The composite’s macroporous structure, characterized by 72.14% macropores, fosters bacterial colonization and growth, leading to faster biofilm formation compared to traditional biocarriers and bamboo charcoal-loaded polyurethane. By the 5th day, the biochar composite stabilizes its biofilm, achieving an impressive 80.44% DMAC degradation rate – 1.5 times higher than its counterpart.

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy unveils the abundance of oxygen-containing functional groups on the biochar composite surface. These groups play a crucial role in bacterial adhesion, influencing biofilm formation dynamics. Interestingly, selective passivation of these groups extends biofilm formation time from 5 to 10 days, while introducing carboxyl groups accelerates it by 1 day. Kinetic studies and Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek theory suggest that these functional groups reduce the total interaction energy and improve mass transfer at the biochar surface, ultimately promoting biofilm development.

This innovative macroporous biochar composite exhibits superior biodegradation capabilities compared to conventional biocarriers, highlighting its potential for efficient VOCs treatment in bioreactors. Moreover, the process paves the way for further development of novel biocarriers using sustainable materials like waste bamboo, promoting a greener approach to environmental remediation.

This study presents a novel biochar composite derived from waste bamboo powder, demonstrating its remarkable potential for enhancing N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAC) biodegradation in biofilters. The composite’s macroporous structure, characterized by 72.14% macropores, fosters bacterial colonization and growth, leading to faster biofilm formation compared to traditional biocarriers and bamboo charcoal-loaded polyurethane. By the 5th day, the biochar composite stabilizes its biofilm, achieving an impressive 80.44% DMAC degradation rate – 1.5 times higher than its counterpart.

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy unveils the abundance of oxygen-containing functional groups on the biochar composite surface. These groups play a crucial role in bacterial adhesion, influencing biofilm formation dynamics. Interestingly, selective passivation of these groups extends biofilm formation time from 5 to 10 days, while introducing carboxyl groups accelerates it by 1 day. Kinetic studies and Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek theory suggest that these functional groups reduce the total interaction energy and improve mass transfer at the biochar surface, ultimately promoting biofilm development.

This innovative macroporous biochar composite exhibits superior biodegradation capabilities compared to conventional biocarriers, highlighting its potential for efficient VOCs treatment in bioreactors. Moreover, the process paves the way for further development of novel biocarriers using sustainable materials like waste bamboo, promoting a greener approach to environmental remediation.